Time to get down to some basics!

Have you ever wondered why players on the same team have someone in a different color jersey?  Check out the 2 guys seen here in this picture:

I am here on the left in a soccer jersey from the Brazilian team "The Corinthians".  I picked this shirt up when I lived in Brazil.  Jonathan is in a soccer shirt and shin guards.  The reason that players on the same team have different shirts on is because the goalkeeper, (or goalie), is the only player that can hold the ball with his, or her, hands.  To let the referee know which one that is, a different color shirt is used to stand out in the middle of the action.  So, what about the number on the jersey?

 It is used by the referee to make a note of who has a "card", (Yellow card or Red card, will be discussed later), and to let officials and scorekeepers know who is coming in and leaving when a substitution is made.  In the first picture, Jonathan is #9.  In the second picture, I am wearing the #8.  Check back soon for more soccer tips before and during the upcoming season!